Method Of Making A Multiple-Layer Flexible Film

Abstract

A method of making a multiple-layer flexible film includes providing a first flexible film. The first flexible film includes a first polymeric layer. A printed layer is formed over a first major surface of the first polymeric layer. The first flexible film is directed to a lamination device. A second flexible film is directed to the lamination device. The second flexible film includes a heat sealable polymeric layer and an adhesive layer disposed over the heat sealable polymeric layer. The first flexible film is laminated to the second flexible film utilizing the lamination device to form a multiple-layer flexible film such that the heat sealable polymeric layer defines an outer surface of the multiple layer flexible film and the adhesive layer is disposed on the printed layer.

1 . A method of making a multiple-layer flexible film, comprising:
 providing a first flexible film comprising a first polymeric layer;   forming a printed layer over a first major surface of the first polymeric layer;   directing the first flexible film to a lamination device;   directing a second flexible film to the lamination device, wherein the second flexible film comprises a heat sealable polymeric layer and an adhesive layer disposed over the heat sealable polymeric layer; and   laminating the first flexible film to the second flexible film utilizing the lamination device to form a multiple-layer flexible film such that the heat sealable polymeric layer defines an outer surface of the multiple layer flexible film and the adhesive layer is disposed on the printed layer.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second flexible film is provided as a roll and unwound utilizing an apparatus comprising an unwinding member. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first flexible film is provided as a roll and unwound utilizing an apparatus comprising an unwinding member. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a coating layer comprising a urethane to a second major surface of the first polymeric layer. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the printed layer is formed by depositing an ink on the first major surface of the first polymeric layer. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising winding the multiple-layer flexible film into a roll such that the multiple-layer flexible film is disposed around a spool. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first flexible film is laminated directly to the second flexible film such that there are no intervening layers that separate the adhesive layer and the printed layer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric layer and the heat sealable polymeric layer each comprise polyethylene. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric layer comprises polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, or nylon. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heat sealable polymeric layer comprises a polypropylene, polyethylene, or polyolefin. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein there are no intervening layers that separate the first polymeric layer and the printed layer. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first polymeric layer defines another outer surface of the multiple layer flexible film. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing an optically enhanced polymer layer between the first polymeric layer and the printed layer. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising providing a barrier layer between the first polymeric layer and the printed layer. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the printed layer is formed on an optically enhanced polymer layer or a barrier layer. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the coating layer defines another outer surface of the multiple layer flexible film. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the optically enhanced polymer layer is disposed on the first major surface of the first polymeric layer. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the barrier layer is disposed on the first major surface of the first polymeric layer. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the barrier layer is disposed on an optically enhanced polymer layer. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the optically enhanced polymer layer is separated from the printed layer by a barrier layer.